TG4, the Irish-language broadcaster, has further explained its reasons for withdrawing from the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2020.
Despite originally confirming participation in Junior Eurovision 2020, TG4 decided to withdraw from the contest, citing the Irish government’s COVID-19 restrictions on gatherings and foreign travel. However, after the EBU stated that more countries were welcome to join this year’s contest, speculation arose that some countries who originally withdrew would reverse their decisions. Speaking to eurowizija.org, TG4 representative Laura Ní Cheallaigh confirmed that the decision to withdraw was final:
“TG4 was aware that the EBU was preparing backup plans in the event that Junior Eurovision in Poland would not be possible to do live. However, in July we had to decide everything because of the production targets here and our selection process. We decided that the most cautious solution would be to withdraw this year. This decision is final, but we hope Ireland will be involved again in 2021.”
Ireland were represented by Anna Kearney at the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2019 in Gliwice, Poland. She placed 12th with her song “Banshee”.
Image Source: junioreurovision.tv / Source: eurowizja.org
Ireland in the Junior Eurovision Song Contest
Ireland debuted in the Junior Eurovision Song Contest at the 2015 contest in Sofia, Bulgaria. The countries participation is organised by the Irish language broadcaster, TG4. At the 2015 contest in Bulgaria Ireland was represented by Aimee Banks with the song “Réalta na Mara”, she finished 12th in the final. The country’s best result came at the 2016 contest in Malta. Ireland was represented by Zena Donnelly with the song “Bríce ar Bhríce”. She finished 10th in the final scoring a total of 122 points, including receiving the countries first 12 points in the contest.
